Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1887-05-13
AFTER TWELVE YEARS

AFTER TWELVE YEARS..
GLOW doyou like her, Jud"
Young Doctor Gabraithe looked up
at his cousin a second before answering.
'If size were worth hundred thou
sand l would marry her tomorrow.
She is a girl who, ten years from now,
will do honor even to a Galbraithe."
Alice was silent, and outside the
open door, in the hall, Carmie had come
all unhcard in her sippered feet, but not
unhearing, and stood silent also. She
was not vain, so felt a strange delight in
this mans words cruel and hcartess as
they were; but she was proud and scnsi-
tive and her eyes flashed, aud something
Of the superb power that Ju lsol Cal
bratho prophesied for ten years hence
thrilled her as she stood there; then,
nothing but q girl, She shivercd as she
thought how easily she could have been
won by this handsome, careless man had
she been wcaithy-won, but not loved /;
and she crept silently away, wondering
if she coul be anything to be proud
of-anything but poor, paid governess
"Thirty to-dayl Once l should have
considered myself old at this age, with
ff,ts T.xtg tif ms, n 70 ,,aee.,l ,,1 i;..t 80,
fore me to enjoy; but new l am very
happy, thankful, and content"
Carmio Brownell was looking across
the blue sea waters, her hands resting
upon the railing of the balcony, her
calm, sweet face grave ard thoughtful.
The climbing ivy and the rose threw
fluttering leaf shadows and sunshine
upon her ta'', 1.-the form; and people on
the beach b low turned to look on the
unconscious figure for a second time.
"Who is she, Leicester2'
'Miss Browncll." "
''Is that all there is to say Of her2"
mo; might talk day Or two OF
her, and you would be as little ac-
quainted."
you are unusually reticent. She
mu t have incurred your ordships dis
pleasure, and you punish by ignoring
her"
owe are good friends; but kne :
that your questions were prompted by
idle curiosity, aud thought would wait
until you met her. She has won fair
fame and considerable wealth, l believe,
by untiring patience and labor. She
has triumphed over every obstacle, met
trouble and disappointment that would
have crushed a woman less brave, and
now, from t all she brings, instcai of a
cynical, selfish nature, one SO thoroughly
pure that men are made better for her
living"
"She is wealthy, famous, but still un-
marriedg
yes; even an old maid, if you like.
Bat no one ever thinks of that.
Phillip Leicester frowned, and there
was a ring Of displcasure in his sweet,
strong voice. 1t angcrcl him to hear
this cool questioning, even from {
friend.
Doctor Galbraithe, at his side, hand
some, fascinating, worldly-wiie, and a
trifle worldiy-wild, turned again t.
look at the whte-robed figure.
They sauntcrcd back an hour later,
just as Mss Browne,l frightened the reini
over her high-stepping blacks.
"Those are magnificent animals, BY
Jovep exclaimed Galbraithc.
Yes; she handles them perfectly,
too"
And Philips dark eyes ,shed, and 9
wonderful light swept over his face
with the smile and bow he gave Carmi,
Brownell; while she gave a glance a
both, but a smile to only one, as sh,
dashed by.
And the second time that day the fas
tidious Julson Galbrai.he turned to look
at woman.
He had quite forgotten her, however
until he saw her that evening in little
crowd in the large drawing room.
Philip Leicester was one Of the crowd
and Galbraithc made his way toward
them to be introduced.
She rose, smiling, gracious, thorough
lady, with no pretence to grlishness
There were valley lilies at her belt, val
ley lilies in the soft lace at her throat
and valley lilies in the loose, low-coile
hair.
Her eyes were clear brave, tender
her face one that changed with ever
thought, but was ever pure and true.
The summer passed, as all summer
have a way Of doing, and one night
when the season was almost ende,
ehgmie BrowReII st90l unon the tcrraC